After My Fiance Cheated With My Best Friend

The sleek Bentley glided smoothly into the Alpine hillside villa district, home to the Montgomery family estate. It was the most serene and revitalizing area in the region, a preferred enclave for the city's retired elite.

The car came to a halt in front of a villa that resembled an old English manor. Leo Reed, the ever-efficient assistant, quickly exited the vehicle and opened the door for Jayden Montgomery with respect. "Mr. Montgomery, we've arrived at the estate," he announced.

Jayden, a man of striking presence with an air of quiet confidence, stepped out with an effortless grace. His appearance was like that of a celestial being descending to earth. The household staff immediately lined up in two orderly rows, well aware that any sign of dissatisfaction could lead to severe repercussions—rumors still circulated about a former servant who had been sent to a remote village in Africa.

Inside the living room, two elderly gentlemen were leisurely engaged in a chess match. "Montgomery, in my opinion, Jayden and Lilly make a great pair," one of them suggested.

Montgomery senior waved dismissively. "Let's not push Jayden into anything without his agreement."

"I'm his father. His marriage is my prerogative," declared the elder Montgomery with authority.

Lilly Hicks, sitting beside her grandfather, blushed at the implication of an upcoming engagement, her expression a blend of playfulness and feigned reluctance.

As Jayden entered, he caught the tail end of their conversation. His expression darkened, casting a shadow over the room. An intimidating aura emanated from him, reminding Montgomery senior of the power and poise that matched any in the family history.

"Jayden, perfect timing," Montgomery senior called out, trying to regain control. "I'd like to introduce you to—"

Jayden's gaze was cold as he cut in, "Not interested," making it clear he had no desire to engage with the guests.

Lilly, eager to make her presence known, quickly chimed in, "Jayden, remember me? Lilly Hicks, from last night at the Skyline Club..."

The overpowering scent of her perfume made him grimace; he cast a cool, indifferent glance her way—a look so piercing it made Lilly's heart skip a beat.

Montgomery senior, unhappy with his son's lack of courtesy, maintained his composure. "Jayden, this is Mr. Hicks, an old friend of mine, and his granddaughter Lilly, who just returned from her studies abroad..."

Jayden, unfazed, interrupted again, "I said I'm not interested in meeting your friends."

Tension thickened the air, and Lilly's face fell as she wondered why Jayden showed more interest in someone like Carmen Pierce and dismissed her so easily. She harbored a growing resentment towards Carmen.

Montgomery senior could no longer contain his temper, slamming his hand on the table in anger. "Then why did you return, if not for this?"

Jayden remained unemotional, coolly replying, "I simply came back for a watch I left in the study. And let me remind you: stay out of my personal affairs, or face the consequences."

Though casually delivered, his words carried the weight of authority and warning.

Montgomery senior's face turned a deep shade of crimson. In all his years, who dared speak to him this way? Jayden's actions in front of his old friend were a direct affront.

As Jayden ascended the stairs, his presence still echoing in the silent house, Mr. Hicks furrowed his brow. He had heard the tales of Jayden—a man who respected no one.

"I just remembered something I need to attend to at home," Mr. Hicks said diplomatically. "Come, Lilly, let's leave." Despite her desire to stay, Lilly followed, casting one last determined glance, resolved not to give up.

Moments later, watch in hand, Jayden descended the stairs as Montgomery senior returned from seeing his guests out. Their eyes met, the tension still palpable.

"Stay right there!" Montgomery senior commanded.

Jayden turned nonchalantly. "What is it now?"

"You're twenty-five; it's time you settled down. The Hicks family is a good match for us. I've arranged for you to get engaged to Lilly," Montgomery senior declared with the finality of a patriarch.

Jayden let out a dry laugh, his tall frame leaning slightly as he regarded his father. "I recall saying something when I first returned to this family that should be fresh in your mind: don't push my boundaries, or I can dismantle the Montgomery Corporation as easily as I built it. Understood?"

His voice, though calm, held a clear threat. Montgomery senior felt a sharp pang in his chest. Since Jayden's return, he had never warmed to the family. He was a maverick, yet only he could navigate the Montgomery Corporation through its crises.

Watching Jayden's retreating figure, Montgomery senior stood rooted in place, his authority challenged in his own home.

Outside the estate, Leo waited patiently, holding the car door open. "Mr. Montgomery, where to?" he asked.

Jayden settled into the car, thoughtfully tracing the edge of his watch. "To Fresh Meadows," he replied simply.